Kaleidoscope Of Growing Up

Aging, responsibilities, and the beauty of little things.

- Bhavana Ramakrishnan

For most of us, it is traumatic. Discovering the first white strands on your head could leave you shocked. Looking in the mirror and seeing fine lines could freak you out. In all fairness, I would react the same way. These silver locks, however, hold the dreams of those little children. Playing around pretty much all day and crying at something as simple as not getting to eat chocolate, we can all agree that they have the simplest and happiest life. The debate has been well settled and we all know that childhood happens to be one of the best parts of our lives. The little kids, however, would have something else to say.

Growing up, our mindset revolves around the joy of freedom, financial independence and being able to do things our own way. We see the brighter quarter of it but not the rest. Financial independence occurs only when finances exist which itself is something we end up toiling for right from our teenage. We do not see the stress that comes with paying our bills, making a home, and raising a family. At this point, if you begin to see the reality, you would very happily sacrifice your freedom than go through this road.

The Sudden Shift 

Inevitably, we grow and learn for ourselves that what we thought was a big fat lie. Truth hits and now we want to go back to being a child again. It is much like an irreversible eyelash wish, so, be sure what you wish for. This year on my birthday, I woke up realising I turned 21 and I would be lying if I said I only freaked out a little. I can bet I am only my 9th-grade self because the last time I drastically changed as a person either socially, mentally or even physically (I haven't grown an inch since then) was when I was 14. I still love chocolates, don't understand the stock market enough to invest, and obsess over Harry Potter.